KNOXVILLE (WATE) - Pat Summitt will serve as grand marshal of the Nationwide Series Food City 250 at Bristol Motor Speedway in August, race officials announced Friday.
At a news conference in Thompson-Boling Arena, Summitt appeared with 2011 Daytona 500 champion and Knoxville native Trevor Bayne. He will drive a Number 60 "We Back Pat" car in the Bristol race on August 24.
The orange car will promote The Pat Summitt Foundation in its fight against Alzheimer's disease. When fans donate money to the foundation their name will be put on the car. They will also receive a certificate commemorating the event.
More information about the fundraising effort can be found at webackpatracing.com.
As grand marshal, Summitt will call for drivers to start their engines before the drop of the green flag to start the Food City 250.
Summitt announced in August 2011 she had been diagnosed with early onset dementia, Alzheimer's type.
The former Tennessee women's basketball coach stepped down in April after winning an NCAA record 1,098 games in 38 seasons.
The Tennessee Lady Vols won eight national championships under Summitt.
Pat Summitt appeared with 2011 Daytona 500 champion and Knoxville native Trevor Bayne to make the announcement.
Bayne will drive a Number 60 "We Back Pat" car in the Bristol race.
